Australian Government Policies for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing
Key Initiatives Since the 1960s
Australian governments have implemented numerous policies to improve Indigenous wellbeing:
- ATSIC (1990–2005): Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission for policy delivery.
- Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation (1991): Promoted reconciliation processes.
- National Health Strategy (1989, revised 1997, 2003, 2013): Framework for Indigenous health equity.
- Indigenous Education Act (2000): Funding for educational participation/attainment.
- Closing the Gap (2008): Multi-government partnership for equality in education, employment, health, services.
- Healing Foundation (2007): Support for Stolen Generations trauma.
- Indigenous Advancement Strategy (2014): Whole-of-government focus on education, economy, health, justice, housing, culture.
- Constitutional Recognition Referendum (2017): Proposed constitutional recognition and advisory body (not passed).
Current Status
Some progress in health and education, but significant socio-economic gaps persist. Debate continues on effective approaches.
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